Leak detection system

ABSTRACT

A structure for detecting a leak, wherein the structure is supported upon a supporting surface, the structure including a leak detector; and a bottom-facing surface comprising an inverted depression in which the leak detector is disposed, the inverted depression is configured to be suitable for inducing capillary actions in a liquid collected on the supporting surface, wherein when the inverted depression comes in contact with the liquid at its periphery, the liquid is drawn to the leak detector to be detected.

PRIORITY CLAIM AND RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Continuation-In-Part application claims the benefit of priorityfrom non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 16/599,957 filed Oct. 11,2019, non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 15/883,873 filed Jan.30, 2018, non-provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 15/859,169 filedDec. 29, 2017 and provisional application U.S. Ser. No. 62/451,891 filedJan. 30, 2017. Each of said applications is incorporated by reference inits entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. The Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a leak detection system. Morespecifically, the present invention is directed to a leak detectionsystem capable of detecting a leak in a heating system where the leak isconfined within and obscured by the heating system and its condensatedrainage line.

2. Background Art

Condensate generation is one of the hallmarks of a high efficiency(e.g., greater than 90% efficiency) condensing combustion system. A highefficiency condensing combustion system achieves high efficiency bycondensing water vapor in the flue gases and recovering its latent heatof vaporization. The result is condensed vapor that is typicallycollected and put through a neutralizer and drained. Condensate is anacidic solution containing various concentrations of nitric, nitrous,sulfuric, sulfurous acids and hydrochloric acids and can be harmful fordrainage pipes, septic tanks, treatment plants and other waste handlingsystems. In conventional neutralizer systems, calcium carbonate may beused as a neutralizing agent to raise the pH of collected condensatebefore it is drained as an effluent. However, conventional condensateneutralizer systems put the burden of proper condensate neutralizationon the shoulders of their users or maintenance personnel, orcollectively their stakeholders. In many occasions, stakeholders haveneglected to either come up with or follow maintenance schedules.Further, preventative maintenance of condensate neutralizing materialsmay cause unnecessary replacement of still effective neutralizingmaterials, thereby causing unnecessary waste not only in theneutralizing materials but also additional labor.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,289,730 to Tomlinson (herein after Tomlinson) disclosesa high efficiency domestic furnace incorporating means for separatingand neutralizing flue gas condensate. Acidic condensate from the fluegas products of combustion is neutralized by contact with neutralizingmaterial in a housing through which the condensate is flowed. The use ofthe neutralizer in connection with a high efficiency domestic furnacepermits discharge of the condensate directly to the household drain. Theneutralizer is arranged to be self-flushing and defines a serpentine,series flow path and is arranged to discharge the neutralized condensateas a result of the entry of additional acidic condensate at its inlet.The neutralizing material is a consumable material and therefore itdepletes when it comes in contact with condensate. Once Tomlinson'scondensate neutralizing material is depleted, the user is not alertedand for the proper functioning of Tomlinson's neutralizer, a maintenanceschedule must be made available and adhered to in order to ensuresufficient neutralizing material is available for neutralizingcondensate. Further, in Tomlinson, there are no measures to determinethe quality of the effluent. Therefore, it is possible that thecondensate is not properly neutralized (even with some neutralizingmaterial remaining in the neutralizer but still discharged.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,398,676 to Lim et al. (herein after Lim) discloses aleak sensor and a leak sensing system are provided. The leak sensorpreferably includes a fluid sensing member that is capable of sensingand indicating the presence of a fluid leaked from a fluid storage ortransport member. The leak sensor further preferably includes at leasttwo wires communicating with the fluid sensing member. The wires arepreferably configured to be short-circuited when they contact the fluidleaked from the fluid storage or transport member. An electrical signalcorresponding to a leak sensor location can thereby be sent to a controlterminal of the leak sensing system. A portion of the wires may bearranged in a cable coated with a protective material such as Teflon®.The control box (or terminal) preferably receives electrical signalsfrom a plurality of leak sensors. The electrical signals can provideinformation on whether the fluid has leaked and on which leak sensor orsensors have detected the fluid leak. Lim discloses both a leak sensorand litmus paper but fails to disclose a method for detecting a leak bydetermining the pH of a leaked chemical.

Both Tomlinson and Lim are silent regarding leak detection strategiesfor leaks that are obscured by a heating system and its condensatedrainage line. There exists a need for a condensate neutralizer device,a condensate generating device or another device that is capable ofdetecting an obscured leak through a heating system and its condensatedrainage line and more generally a leak collecting on a supportingsurface.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a structurefor detecting a leak, wherein the structure is supported upon asupporting surface, the structure including:

-   -   (a) a leak detector; and    -   (b) a bottom-facing surface comprising an inverted depression in        which the leak detector is disposed, the inverted depression is        configured to be suitable for inducing capillary actions in a        liquid collected on the supporting surface, wherein when the        inverted depression comes in contact with the liquid, the liquid        is drawn to the leak detector to be detected.

In one embodiment, the structure includes at least one capillarycontiguous to the inverted depression to increase the opportunity thatthe liquid comes in contact with the inverted depression and the leakdetector.

An object of the present invention is to provide a means for detecting aleak that occurs within a heating system where no evidence of the leakis readily available to stakeholders of the heating system.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a means fordetecting a leak that has collected on a supporting surface of astructure.

Whereas there may be many embodiments of the present invention, eachembodiment may meet one or more of the foregoing recited objects in anycombination. It is not intended that each embodiment will necessarilymeet each objective. Thus, having broadly outlined the more importantfeatures of the present invention in order that the detailed descriptionthereof may be better understood, and that the present contribution tothe art may be better appreciated, there are, of course, additionalfeatures of the present invention that will be described herein and willform a part of the subject matter of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand objects of the invention are obtained, a more particular descriptionof the invention briefly described above will be rendered by referenceto specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appendeddrawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typicalembodiments of the invention and are not therefore to be considered tobe limiting of its scope, the invention will be described and explainedwith additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tankless waterheater which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tank water heaterwhich supplies condensate neutralized in the condensate neutralizersystem.

FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a boiler water heaterwhich supplies condensate neutralized in the condensate neutralizersystem.

FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a furnace whichsupplies condensate neutralized in the condensate neutralizer system.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the quality of condensate with respect tothe amount of condensate which has gone through an amount of condensateneutralizing material.

FIG. 7A is a sample data set depicting pH responses of a condensateneutralizer system as condensate generated from a condensateneutralizing device flows through condensate neutralizing material.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a leakage in a condensate drainage system.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material conditionand steps taken to facilitate replenishment of condensate neutralizingmaterial.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a blockage in a condensate neutralizer system.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of an abnormality in a condensate neutralizer system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting the factors considered in calculating theefficiency of a condensate generating device.

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting the factors considered in estimating theconsumption of condensate neutralizing material.

FIG. 15 is a partially transparent top perspective view of oneembodiment of a condensate neutralizer system.

FIG. 16 is a bottom rear perspective view of one embodiment of acondensate neutralizer device.

FIG. 17 is a bottom front perspective view of one embodiment of acondensate neutralizer device.

FIG. 18 is a top front view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device.

FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its cover removed to reveal its compartment.

FIG. 21 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its cover removed to reveal a media box that hasbeen installed in its compartment.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its cover removed to reveal a media tube thathas been attached to the inlet port of the device in its compartmentwhere the media tube is unfilled.

FIG. 23 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its cover removed to reveal a media tube thathas been attached to the inlet port of the device in its compartmentwhere the media tube is filled.

FIG. 24 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tankless waterheater which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system and a leaking condensate generating device.

FIG. 25 is a chart depicting the pH of a condensate as sensed at theexhaust of a condensate neutralizer over time and a pattern indicatingthat a leak has occurred.

FIG. 26 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tankless waterheater which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system and a leaking condensate generating device.

FIG. 27 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tankless waterheater which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system and a leaking condensate generating device.

PARTS LIST

-   2—condensate neutralizer system-   4—condensate neutralizing material, e.g., calcium carbonate-   6—pre-treated condensate-   8—post-treated condensate-   10—pH meter-   12—condensate neutralizing material level sensor-   14—level sensor-   16—condensate temperature sensor-   18—leak detector-   20—flue temperature sensor-   22—flue-   24—flue exhaust-   26—inlet temperature sensor-   28—outlet temperature sensor-   30—inlet of fluid to be heated-   32—outlet of heated fluid-   34—flowrate sensor-   36—condensate generating device-   38—controller for condensate generating device-   40—controller for condensate neutralizer system-   42—router-   44—communication bus-   46—fuel flowrate sensor-   48—fuel flow-   50—container-   52—inlet of condensate neutralizer-   54—outlet of condensate neutralizer-   56—drainage line-   58—portion indicating accelerating drop in pH-   60—baffle-   62—aperture-   64—gas detector-   66—carbon monoxide (CO) detector-   68—period of pH drop-   70—period of pH recovery-   72—operational setting of condensate generating device-   74—pH reading-   76—portion indicating operational setting of condensate generating    device not discernibly affecting the pH readings-   78—capillary-   80—overflow channel-   82—support-   84—inverted depression-   86—compartment-   88—media box-   90—cover-   92—handle-   94—protrusion, wall or tongue-   96—groove-   98—cut-off switch-   100—media cover-   102—front cover-   104—port-   106—port-   108—opening-   110—opening-   112—perforated bag-   114—sealant-   116—tube-   118—perforated cover-   120—auger-   122—leak inside condensate generating device-   124—no-leak zone-   126—leak zone-   128—onset of leak-   130—breach in barrier-   132—height of inverted depression or capillary

Particular Advantages of the Invention

In one embodiment, a present leak detection system is useful fordetecting a leak which occurs within a closed housing of a heatingsystem where the leak is not immediately evident to the naked eye fromthe exterior appearance of the heating system and the condensateneutralizer device connected to it as the leak does not lead to the exitof a liquid from within the closed housing of the heating system and thecondensate neutralizer device connected to it.

In one embodiment, a present leak detection system is useful fordetecting a leak that has collected on a supporting surface, e.g.,floor. A structure with a bottom-facing surface configured to have aninverted depression and a plurality of capillaries connected to theinverted depression is useful for drawing a leaked liquid to be detectedwhen it has collected on the supporting surface. Capillary actions occurin a capillary when the bottom surface is exposed to the leaked liquidsuch that a leak detector disposed within the inverted depression candetect the presence of the leaked liquid within the inverted depressionas it is drawn there by the capillary.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The term “about” is used herein to mean approximately, roughly, around,or in the region of. When the term “about” is used in conjunction with anumerical range, it modifies that range by extending the boundariesabove and below the numerical values set forth. In general, the term“about” is used herein to modify a numerical value above and below thestated value by a variance of 20 percent up or down (higher or lower).

The term “stakeholder” is used herein to mean a user, maintenancepersonnel, repair personnel, etc., or any personnel that uses, maintainsor repairs, owns or manages a condensate neutralizer system and/or acondensate generating device connected to the condensate neutralizersystem.

FIG. 1 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system 2 and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tankless waterheater which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system 2. The condensate neutralizer system 2 includes acontainer 50 having an inlet 52 and an outlet 54, a controller 40 and apH meter 10. The inlet 52 is configured to receive condensate 6 from thecondensate generating device 36, e.g., a water heater or a tanklesswater heater, the container 50 is configured to contain a condensateneutralizing material 4 useful for treating the condensate 6 and theoutlet 54 is configured to drain condensate 8 treated with thecondensate neutralizing material 4. The pH meter 10 is functionallyconnected to the controller 40 and is configured to take pH measurementof the effluent of condensate neutralizer system 2. The condensategenerating device or more specifically, tankless water heater 36 in thisinstance, includes a burner configured to receive a fuel/air mixture orhereinafter, fuel flow 48 to heat the fluid or water flow received viaan inlet 30 of a tube and exits via an outlet 32 of the tube. Duringoperation of the tankless water heater 36, flue gas 22 that is generateddue to combustion at the burner is guided to an exit via flue exhaust24. A condensate generating device is typically equipped with its owncontroller 38 and a host of sensors, e.g., inlet water temperaturesensor, outlet water temperature sensor, water flowrate sensor, fluetemperature sensor functionally connected to controller 38. Inlet watertemperature sensor 26, outlet water temperature sensor 28, waterflowrate sensor 34 may be provided in addition to the native sensorsalready provided with the condensate generating device 36 at time ofmanufacture to avoid the need to tap into these sensors. However, ifnecessary, the readings of such sensors may readily be obtained bycontroller 40 from controller 38 via either a wired communication bus 44or wirelessly via internet router 42. A fuel flowrate sensor 46 that isfunctionally connected to controller 40 is configured to provide thefuel flowrate to controller 40. Further, a flue temperature sensor 20that is also functionally connected to controller 40 is configured toprovide the flue temperature at flue exhaust 24. In one embodiment, theenergy efficiency of a condensate generating device is inferred from itsflue temperature as reported by the flue temperature sensor 20. Uponobtaining the flue temperature, the efficiency of the condensategenerating device is looked up from a factory calibrated tablecorrelating flue temperature readings and efficiency of a condensategenerating device. In one embodiment, there is further provided acut-off switch 98 functionally connected to the controller 40, where thecut-off switch 98 is configured for shutting down water supply and/orfuel supply to a condensate generating device and/or the condensategenerating device itself and/or the heating request to the condensategenerating device, e.g., when a water and/or condensate leak has beendetected or when any other potentially hazardous conditions, e.g., thepresence of CO, has been detected, etc.

FIG. 2 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and theequipment configured for monitoring the health of a tank water heater 36which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensate neutralizersystem 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer systemand the equipment configured for monitoring the health of a boiler waterheater 36 which supplies condensate neutralized in the condensateneutralizer system 2. FIG. 4 is a diagram depicting a condensateneutralizer system and the equipment configured for monitoring thehealth of a furnace 36 which supplies condensate neutralized in thecondensate neutralizer system 2. Although the condensate generatingdevices 36 shown in FIGS. 1-4 may be configured differently, the healthof each device 36 can be monitored based on using the same set ofsensors disclosed for FIG. 1 configured for their respective specificmedium. The medium used in the tankless, tank and boiler heaters is aliquid, e.g., water while the medium used in the furnace is gas, e.g.,air.

In one embodiment as shown in FIGS. 1-4, the condensate neutralizersystem further includes a safety monitoring system configured formonitoring the safety of at least one stakeholder of the condensategenerating device. In one embodiment, the safety monitoring systemincludes a gas detector 64. In another embodiment, the safety monitoringsystem includes a carbon monoxide (CO) detector 66. Upon detecting a gas(or fuel) leak and/or the presence of carbon monoxide, the gas detector64 and/or carbon monoxide detector 66 are/is configured to shut down thecondensate generating device and report such a gas leak and/or presenceof carbon monoxide to at least one stakeholder such that proper actionscan be taken by the at least one stakeholder. FIG. 5 is a flow diagramdepicting a method used for alerting a stakeholder of a depletingcondensate neutralizing material condition. The pH measurement isconfigured to be compared to a pre-determined pH level within thecontroller and if the pH measurement indicates an acidity level that islower than the pre-determined pH level, an output is effected. In oneembodiment, the pre-determined pH level is from about 4 to about 5.5. Inanother embodiment, the pre-determined pH level is from about 4 to about5.5 and the pH measurements indicate a pH level that is sustained forover about 5 minutes. Referring back to FIGS. 1-4, in one embodiment,the output is a warning communicated to a stakeholder of the condensateneutralizer system from controller 40 via, e.g., the router 42 and theinternet and any mobile devices, e.g., mobile phone or pad, etc. Inanother embodiment, the output is a delivery of replenishment to astakeholder of the condensate neutralizer system 2. If the stakeholdercontinues to ignore the warning, i.e., if the level sensor 12 fails todetect a replenishment, i.e., the level continues to be low after anextended amount of time, the stakeholder has an option to instructcontroller 40 to issue a shutdown command to the controller 38 such thatthe “depleting neutralizing material” condition can be communicated as afault of the condensate generating device 36 which may garner greaterattention to correct this condition.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition.The level sensor 12 is configured for indicating the level of thecondensate neutralizing material contained within the container 50. Theindicated level is configured to be compared to a pre-determinedmaterial level and if the indicated level is determined to be lower thanthe pre-determined material level, an output is effected. Again, theoutput can be actions identical to those disclosed for FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the quality of condensate with respect tothe amount of condensate which has gone through an amount of condensateneutralizing material. In lieu of the level of pH that may be used toindicate a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition, anaccelerating drop in pH may be used to detect this condition. In oneinstance, an accelerating drop in pH indicated as portion 58 (or a“knee”) may be used to provide an early indication that the depletion ofcondensate neutralizing material is imminent. As more condensateneutralizing material is depleted as more condensate is being generated,there is less condensate neutralizing material that is exposed to thegenerated condensate in order to neutralize it. For instance, a normaloperating condition of a condensate neutralizer system is a conditionwhere the drop of pH as detected by a pH meter in a condensateneutralizer system is gradual, i.e., the change in pH or dpH1 is smallcompared to an amount of generated condensate dA1 or time. In otherwords the ratio dpH1/dA1 is small. As the condensate neutralizingmaterial in the container is getting depleted, the change in pH or dpH2over an amount of generated condensate dA2 becomes larger. The amount ofneutralizing material available for neutralizing reactions with thecondensate becomes small enough that it is now insufficient to “keepup.” If the condensate neutralizing material is not replenished, thechange in pH or dpH3 becomes even larger over an amount of generatedcondensate dA3. In detecting a “knee,” one need not be concerned withmicroscopic or localized pH drop and recovery patterns as disclosedelsewhere herein. In one example, a pH drop of about 2 over a period ofabout 5 minutes indicates that a “knee” has occurred and that thecondensate neutralizing material will soon need to be replenished or thecondensate that continues to be generated will not be neutralizedproperly. A reminder for informing a stakeholder may be automaticallygenerated or an order for replenishment of condensate neutralizingmaterial may be automatically placed as disclosed elsewhere herein.

FIG. 7A is a sample data set depicting pH responses of a condensateneutralizer system as condensate generated from a condensateneutralizing device flows through condensate neutralizing material. pHreadings 74 are collected over this period of time and plotted alongwith operational setting 72 of a condensate generating device producinga condensate stream that is being neutralized by a condensateneutralizing material in a container from which this pH readings areobtained. This set of data can be thought of as a set of data that iscollected in the region prior to the “knee” in FIG. 7 or the regionwhere the slope is dpH1/dA1. The vertical axis represents pH valueswhile the horizontal axis represents time. Note that the pH readings 74exhibit two distinct patterns as related to demand, operational setting,intensity or firing rate of the condensate generating device, e.g., ahot water heater. In a period labelled 68, pH readings appear todecrease, a sign that condensate is being generated. This periodcoincides with an increased demand or intensity of the condensategenerating device, e.g., increased power output (or turning on) of thecondensate generating device, e.g., in this case, measured in BTU/hr. Ina period labelled 70, pH readings appear to increase, a sign thatcondensate is being neutralized. This period coincides with a decreaseddemand of the condensate generating device, e.g., decreased power output(or turning off) of the condensate generating device. If the pH readingsreturn to the prior level or a level approximate that of the priorlevel, it is said that there is sufficient condensate neutralizingmaterial to neutralize the generated condensate. Over time, pH readingsbecome incapable of returning to the level prior to the generation ofthe condensate as the condensate neutralizing material is gettingdepleted. When condensate is generated and drained into the condensateneutralizer system, the region in which pH readings are taken becomesmore acidic in a period labelled 68. When condensate ceases to begenerated and drained into the condensate neutralizer system, the regionin which pH readings are taken becomes less acidic in a period labelled70. In one example, a pH drop of about 1 over about 10 minutes indicatesthat the demand for a condensate generating device is high while a pHrise of about 1 over about 10 minutes indicates that the demand for thecondensate generating device is low. In one embodiment, the mechanismshown in FIG. 5 is the only mechanism used to detect a need forreplenishment of the condensate neutralizing material. In anotherembodiment, the detection of a “knee” is the only mechanism used todetect a need for replenishment of the condensate neutralizing material.In yet another embodiment, both the mechanism shown in FIG. 5 and thedetection of a “knee” are used to bolster the confidence that a need forreplenishment of the condensate neutralizing material has been detected.In other words, if both conditions occur simultaneously, the compositecondition serves as a confirmation that it is highly likely that thecondensate neutralizing material is being exhausted imminently.Referring back to FIG. 7A, it shall be noted that at certain operationalsettings (e.g., at portions 76), there is insufficient amount ofcondensate generated to cause a discernible drop in pH. The severity ofthe drops and rises due to the turn-on and turn off cycles or productionof condensate is a function of the size of the neutralizer system. Alarge neutralizer system capable of holding a large amount of condensateneutralizer materials will produce smaller drops and rises in pH while asmall neutralizer system capable of holding a limited amount ofcondensate neutralizer materials will produce larger drops and rises inpH.

In a water heater, space heating furnace or another condensategenerating device, a flow sensor and one or more additional sensors maybe used to gauge the amount of usage of the condensate generating devicefor maintenance purposes. For example, after delivering heated air of acertain volume or for a certain duration, a space heating furnace may berequired to be serviced where the air filter may need to be replaced.Applicants discovered that the occurrence and magnitude of the drops inpH in a condensate neutralizer system closely represent the operationalsettings of the condensate generating device which produces thecondensate. Therefore, in addition to providing an estimate of usage ofthe condensate neutralizing materials and the schedule for getting thematerials replaced, the data obtained from a pH meter can be used toestimate the usage of the condensate generating device and itsmaintenance schedule. On condensate generating devices which are notequipped with appropriate equipment for estimating their usage, apresent condensate neutralizer system can be used for estimating suchusage. Therefore, maintenance can be performed on demand rather than afixed schedule which either requires that a part be serviced or replacedtoo early or too late.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a leakage in a condensate drainage system and/or thecondensate generating device. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 8, thecondensate neutralizer system 2 further includes a leak detector 18configured for indicating a leak from the container 50 or a leak fromthe condensate generating device, wherein if a leak is detected, anoutput is effected. The output can be a shutdown action of the watersource or main which feeds into the condensate generating device and/orthe condensate generating device itself.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material condition.Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 9, the condensate neutralizer system 2includes a level sensor 12 configured for indicating the level of thecondensate neutralizing material contained within the container, whereinthe indicated pH level is configured to be compared to a pre-determinedmaterial level and if the indicated pH level is determined to be lowerthan the pre-determined material level, an output is effected. Anothercondition which further indicates a depleting condensate neutralizingmaterial is the occurrence of a “knee.” Again, the output can be actionsidentical to those disclosed for FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 9, a pH checkcan be combined with the level check to provide an output that indicatesa higher urgency to replenish the condensate neutralizing material.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a depleting condensate neutralizing material conditionand steps taken to facilitate replenishment of condensate neutralizingmaterial. The stakeholder is given time to replenish the depletingmaterial. However, if the depleting condition is not corrected withinthis time allowance, an output can be actions that indicate a higherurgency to replenish the condensate neutralizing material is provided.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of a blockage in a condensate drainage system. Referring toFIGS. 1-4 and 11, the condensate is communicated to the container 50 viaa drainage line 56 and the condensate neutralizer system furtherincludes a level sensor 14 configured for indicating the level of thecondensate in the drainage line and the indicated level is configured tobe compared to a pre-determined level and if the indicated level isdetermined to be higher than the pre-determined level, an output iseffected. It shall be noted that the level sensor 14 is mounted at anelevation that is normally higher than the condensate level. However ifa backup has occurred, the condensate level will continue to rise,eventually tripping the level sensor 14. The output can be actions thatindicate that the drainage will need to be checked for blockage.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram depicting a method used for alerting astakeholder of an abnormality in a condensate neutralizer system.Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and 12, the condensate neutralizer system 2further includes a temperature sensor 16 configured for indicating atemperature of the condensate at the inlet of the container 50, whereinthe indicated temperature is configured to be compared to apre-determined temperature and if the indicated temperature isdetermined to be lower than the pre-determined temperature, an output iseffected. The output can be actions that indicate that the condensategenerating device will need to be checked for its proper operation orthe condensate generating device can be instructed to produce highertemperature condensate.

FIG. 13 is a diagram depicting the factors considered in calculating theefficiency of a condensate generating device. Referring to FIGS. 1-4 and13, the condensate neutralizer system further includes a healthmonitoring system configured for monitoring the health of the condensategenerating device. In one embodiment, the health monitoring systemincludes:

-   -   (a) a first temperature sensor configured for indicating the        temperature of a medium at an inlet of the condensate generating        device;    -   (b) a second temperature sensor configured for indicating the        temperature of the medium at an outlet of the condensate        generating device;    -   (c) a first flowrate sensor configured for indicating the        flowrate of the medium through the condensate generating device,        wherein an energy output quantity is calculated by deriving the        amount of energy used in raising the temperature of the medium        at the inlet of the condensate generating device to the        temperature of the medium at the outlet of the condensate        generating device in a period of time given the flowrate of the        medium through the condensate generating device in the period of        time; and    -   (d) a second flowrate sensor configured for indicating the        flowrate of a fuel supply to the condensate generating device        that causes the difference between the temperature of the medium        at the outlet and the inlet of the condensate generating device,        wherein an energy input quantity is calculated by deriving the        amount of energy put into the condensate generating device from        the flowrate of the fuel supply over the period in which the        temperature of the medium is raised from the temperature of the        medium at the outlet of the condensate generating device and        temperature of the medium at the outlet of the condensate        generating device,        wherein a ratio of the energy output quantity to the energy        input quantity is compared to a pre-determined efficiency and if        the pre-determined efficiency is greater than the ratio by a        pre-determined amount, an output is effected. The output can be        actions that indicate that the condensate generating device is        operating at an efficiency that is close to an expected        efficiency.

It can then be summarized that the computed energy input into thecondensate generating device is energy per unit of fuel multiplied byunits of fuel and the energy used to raise medium (water) temperature ismass flowrate MF multiplied by the difference between the outlettemperature OT and inlet temperature IT and multiplied by the specificheat SF of the medium (water).

FIG. 14 is a diagram depicting the factors considered in estimating theconsumption of condensate neutralizing material. Referring to FIGS. 1-4and 14, the controller is further configured to estimate the amount ofusage of the condensate neutralizing material by summing:

-   -   (a) a first amount of generated condensate, wherein the first        amount of generated condensate is calculated by multiplying a        first condensate generating rate corresponding to rate at which        condensate is generated when the condensate generating device        operates in a high efficiency mode and the amount of time the        condensate generating device operates in the high efficiency        mode; and    -   (b) a second amount of generated condensate, wherein the second        amount of generated condensate is calculated by multiplying a        second condensate generating rate corresponding to rate at which        condensate is generated when the condensate generating device        operates in a lower efficiency mode and the amount of time the        condensate generating device operates in the lower efficiency        mode.

It can then be summarized that the computed cumulative condensategenerated=X*tx+Y*ty

where:

tx=duration in which condensate generating device operates in highefficiency mode

ty=duration in which condensate generating device operates in lowerefficiency mode

X=amount of condensate generated per unit time when condensategenerating device operates in high efficiency mode

Y=amount of condensate generated per unit time when condensategenerating device operates in lower efficiency mode

FIG. 15 is a partially transparent top perspective view of oneembodiment of a condensate neutralizer system. Disclosed is a container50 including an inlet 52 and an outlet 54 connected to the container 50.In use, pre-treated condensate 6 is received via the inlet 52 into thecontainer 50 and post-treated condensate 8 is discharged via the outlet54 from the container 50. A baffle 60 divides the container into a lowerspace or compartment and an upper space or compartment. Communicationbetween materials of the two compartments occurs only through theapertures 62 disposed on the baffle 60. As shown in FIG. 15, fourapertures 62 of varying sizes are disposed on baffle 60 with theaperture 62 closest to the inlet 52 being the smallest and the aperture62 farthest from the inlet 52 being the largest. As the apertures 62 aredisposed on the far end of the baffle 60 from the inlet 52, uponentering the container 50 via the inlet 52 and flowing through theapertures 62, the pre-treated condensate 6 is forced through condensateneutralizing materials 4 before exiting via outlet 54. As thepre-treated condensate enters the lower compartment, it is more stronglydrawn to the far end from the inlet 52 as the apertures are larger.Therefore, the condensate is afforded appropriate dwell time in theupper compartment while exposed to the condensate neutralizing materials4. The baffle 60 need not be constructed as a single unit with thecontainer. In one embodiment, the baffle 60 is a member formed in ashape of the cross section of the space of the container and removablysecured in place. The baffle 60 may be hingedly connected to thecontainer 50 or capable of being completely removed from the container50. Condensate neutralizing materials 4 may be made available inperforated bags 112, nettings, etc., or may come unpackaged. In oneembodiment, there is further provided a basket configured to be disposedwithin the upper space to hold condensate neutralizing materials 4 inorder to ease replacement or replenishment of the condensateneutralizing materials. In replenishing the condensate neutralizingmaterials, the basket of depleting condensate neutralizing materials maysimply be removed and replaced with a fresh basket containing suchunused condensate neutralizing materials. The condensate neutralizingmaterials are not required to be further contained in a perforated bagor netting as they are already contained in a basket, further reducingthe amount of work associated with replenishing a neutralizer.

In yet another embodiment, a heat or BTU meter is provided and a realtime or up-to-date energy pricing is obtained via internet connection.As energy usage is available from this meter and energy pricing isavailable, a stakeholder of the condensate generating device can benotified of the cost of operating the condensate generating or anotherdevice. The period/s yielding the least cost can then be identified suchthat the condensate generating or another device may be operated atthese periods.

In yet another embodiment, boiler cycles are used to estimate whether acondensate generating device operated properly. The frequency orduration of operation of a condensate generating device directlycorresponds to the amount of heat generated which can be estimated bythe volume of a medium heated to a temperature by the condensategenerating device. If the heat output of a condensate generating deviceis not commensurate with the boiler cycles reported, at least onestakeholder of the condensate generating device is notified.

FIG. 16 is a bottom rear perspective view of one embodiment of acondensate neutralizer device. FIG. 17 is a bottom front perspectiveview of one embodiment of a condensate neutralizer device. Thecondensate neutralizer device includes a generally rectangular container50 supported on two supports 82, a lid 90 which allows access to theinterior of the condensate neutralizer device and a front cover 102which protects a controller 40 disposed within the front portion of thecondensate neutralizer device. The lid 90 is preferably one which ishingedly attached to container 50 such that it cannot be misplaced. Inthe embodiment shown, a leak detector 18 is integrally built with thecondensate neutralizer device. However, a leak detector 18 may bedisposed on a separate structure. In the embodiment shown, two leakdetectors 18 are provided to increase the opportunity that a leak can bedetected although only one probe is required. As a condensateneutralizer device is already used in an environment in which a leakage,e.g., from a water heater can occur, it is practicable to include a leakdetector which can not only detect a condensate leak but also a waterleak (e.g., due to a leaky water heater) or detect a liquid collection(e.g., due to a faulty sump pump) which can cause a drainage backupwhich leads to a flooded basement. In use, the container 50 ispreferably disposed at a level leakage can be detected, i.e., floor ofbasement of a building or a surface upon which a leakage can collectetc. In use, the condensate neutralizer device is preferably disposed onthe floor of a basement with the supports 82 contacting the floor. Inthe embodiment shown, each support includes a bottom-facing surfacehaving an inverted depression 84 and a plurality of capillaries 78connected to the inverted depression 84 all of which are disposed on thebottom-facing surface of the container 50. It shall be noted that asurface of the inverted depression 84 or capillary 78 is disposed at aheight 132 of, e.g., about 1 mm, a height suitable for capillary actionsto occur due to a genuine leak event while insufficient for moisturethat collects due to condensation outside of the condensate neutralizeror a small one-time spill just outside of condensate neutralizer to becommunicated to the leak detector. Capillary actions occur when anysurface within the inverted depression 84 and any one of the capillaries78 is exposed to the liquid, e.g., water, such that a leak detector 18disposed within the inverted depression 84 can detect the presence ofthe liquid within the inverted depression as it is drawn there by one ormore capillaries 78 disposed contiguous to the inverted depression.Referring to FIG. 16, when liquids start collecting on the surface uponwhich the condensate neutralizer device is disposed, the liquids thatreach the openings or peripheries of the inverted depression 84 can bequickly drawn to the leak detector 18 within the inverted depression 84.Therefore the chance of early detection of a leak is increased and theamount of time it takes to start detecting a leakage is shortened aseach of the leak detectors 18 can detect a thin layer of a liquid andthe “reach” of the leak detector is essentially increased by thecapillaries 78. It shall also be noted that at least one overflowchannel 80 of the container 50 is disposed in the vicinity of thecapillaries 78, preferably two, as in the case of the embodiment shownin FIGS. 20-22. Therefore, if a blockage had occurred at the outlet 54or if a large leak had occurred, e.g., due to a water leak in thecondensate generating device, an overflow of the fluid contents of thecontainer 50 will be detected by the leak detector 18, aided in part bycapillary action, of the capillaries 78 which tend to draw the overflowfluid contents to the leak detector 18. In one embodiment, an electricalconductivity sensor is provided to detect whether the overflow fluidcontents is mostly condensate or water in addition to the leak detector18. If the overflow fluid contents are determined to be mostlycondensate, then the leak may be attributed to a blockage of the outletof the container. If the overflow fluid contents are determined to bemostly water, then the leak may be attributed to the condensategenerating device. In the embodiment shown, the leak detector 18 iscapable of detecting the electrical conductivity of the overflow fluidcontents in addition to its role in detecting a leak (liquid). There aretwo parts to the leak detector 18. If a weak pulse is initiated in afirst of the two parts, a leak spanning and coming in contact with thetwo parts will cause the initiated pulse to be detected in a second ofthe two parts. The magnitude of the pulse indicates the type of liquidthe overflow fluid contents. Referring to FIG. 16, it shall be notedthat a condensate is received via port 52 and upon treatment, thecondensate is configured to exit port 54 as an effluent. It shall beappreciated that although the leak detector 18 is shown coupled with acondensate neutralizer, the leak detection system that encompasses astructure that takes advantage of capillary actions and a leak detectorfunctionally coupled to a controller need not be part of a condensateneutralizer.

FIG. 18 is a top front view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its front cover removed to reveal a controller40 that is disposed therein. A carbon monoxide detector 66 and a gassensor 64 are disposed on a side wall the condensate neutralizer device.Again, Applicants discovered that as a condensate neutralizer device isalready used in an environment in which (i) carbon monoxide, e.g., dueto incomplete combustion of fossil fuel, e.g., propane and natural gas;and (ii) gas, e.g., due to leakage of fuel supply from a heating device,can be present, combining detectors for such gases removes the need formaking such detectors available individually or separately.

FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device. Disclosed herein is a condensate neutralizer deviceincluding a compartment 86 having two longitudinal ends, the compartmentincluding a first port 104 and a second port 106, the first port 104configured for receiving a flow of condensate and the second port 106configured for draining a post treated flow of the flow of condensate.The compartment 86 is configured for receiving a removable media boxshaped and sized substantially the same as that of the compartment. Inone embodiment, the compartment is elongated, providing a path ofsufficient length for a condensate to be treated. The media box 88includes a cavity for holding condensate neutralizing materials 4, afirst opening 108 configured to connect to the first port 104 and asecond opening 110 configured to connect to the second port 106 whilethe media box 88 is seated in the elongated compartment 86, whereby theflow of condensate is allowed through the cavity such that the flow ofcondensate can be neutralized by the condensate neutralizing materials 4disposed in the cavity and the media box 88 can be removed whennecessary. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 19 and 21, each of the firstand second openings 108, 110, is a collection of the apertures.Referring to FIG. 18, a condensate flow 6 enters the compartment 86 atport 52 and arrives at port 104. As shown in FIG. 20, port 104 is shownto be formed from a wall 94 which serves both as a wall forming port 104and a part of a support structure for the media box 88. In oneembodiment, port 104 is essentially an enclosure formed from a wall 94that spans the width of the compartment 86, a portion of the bottomsurface of the compartment 86 and short walls that are formed on thesides of the compartment 86, a short end wall formed on the rear end ofthe compartment 86 and a portion of the bottom surface of media box 88.In one embodiment, in order to ensure that an incoming condensate flowfrom port 104 can only occur through the first opening 108, a sealant114, e.g., silicone is disposed atop the short walls surrounding port114 before dropping the media box 88 over port 104. Notice that if themedia box 88 is removed, the compartment 86 is essentially one largerspace with several protrusions or walls 94 extending from the bottomsurface of the compartment 86, two of which terminating as tongues 94which are removably coupled with the media box 88 at the grooves 96. Asshown with the media box 88 seated, port 104 is isolated from port 106which is configured to receive treated condensate. In order to arrive atport 106, the condensate flow must enter the cavity of the media box 88via opening 108 and exit the cavity of the media box 88 via opening 110.A pH meter 10 is disposed just outside of opening 110 to determinewhether the condensate which has flowed through the cavity has beensubstantially neutralized. As there are gaps surrounding the media box88, treated condensate can then flow around the media box 88 (as shownwith arrows of broken lines) to exit the compartment 86 via port 54 asflow 8.

A handle 92 provided atop the media box serves two purposes. First, inone embodiment, it allows a user to easily grasp the media box or atleast the media cover 100, upon which the handle 92 is attached, fordeployment, replacement or re-seating. The handle 92 also comes incontact with the lid 90 while the media box is seated, allowing the lid90 to urge the media box 88 downwardly to further secure it in thecompartment 86. Further, tongue-and-groove locator pairs are provided toeliminate cross-flows between treated and untreated condensate. Asshown, grooves are disposed on bottom portions of the media box 88 whilematching tongues 94 are disposed on the bottom portions of thecompartment 86 which protrude upwardly and are configured to fit snuglywith the grooves 96 of the media box 88. Grooves may alternativelydisposed on the bottom of the compartment 86 instead while matchingtongues may be disposed on the bottom of the media box 88. Disclosedherein therefore is a condensate neutralizer device having consumables(condensate neutralizing materials) which can be replaced in a minimalnumber of steps. In replacing the media box, a user can simply open thelid 90, lift the media box 88 by its handle 92, drop a new media box inplace and close the lid 90. In an embodiment where the media box 88 isadhered to the compartment 86, preferably packaged condensateneutralizer 4 that comes in a perforated bag will be used to facilitatehandling of the condensate neutralizer 4 as the media box 88 is notintended to be removable upon deployment. It shall be noted that, in thepresent device, an incoming condensate flow in port 104 rises upwardly,as the incoming condensate flow is disposed at a higher temperature thanthe liquid that is already dwelling in port 104 or compartment 86.Therefore, the incoming condensate flow is naturally drawn into thecompartment through the first opening 108 to be treated. Upon treatment,neutralized or cooled liquid now tends to flow downwardly through thesecond opening 110 and continues to flow around the media box 88 beforeexiting the device. A flow through the condensate neutralizer device istherefore exposed to condensate neutralizing materials disposed thereinand properly neutralized. In one embodiment, the container 50 and mediabox 88 are each formed from a conventional plastic forming process.

FIG. 22 is a top perspective view of one embodiment of a condensateneutralizer device with its cover removed to reveal a media tube 116that has been attached to the inlet port 52 of the device in itscompartment, the tube 116 having a central axis. The media tube 116 isshown unfilled to reveal the auger 120 disposed within the tube 116. Thesame setup is shown with the tube 116 filled in FIG. 23. In thisembodiment, a cross-sectional view of the media tube 116 is shown,depicting one end of the tube 116 shaped substantially the same as theshape of the inlet port 52 but configured smaller such that it can bepressed fit within the port 52 during installation. The opposite end ofthe tube 116 is configured larger such that an auger 120 can be insertedwithin the tube 116. The interior of the tube 116 is preferablycylindrical such that the periphery of the auger 120 comes in contactwith the interior surface of the tube 116 and that the auger 120 iscoaxially aligned with the tube 116 while disposed within the tube 116.In other words, the diameter of the auger is preferably substantiallythe same as the interior diameter of the tube 116. The tube 116 may befilled while being held in an upright position with an auger 120 alreadydisposed in the tube 116 and the larger opening of the tube 116 disposedat a level higher than the smaller opening of the tube 116 and without aperforated cover 118. Condensate neutralizing materials 4 are thenpoured into the tube 116 until it is filled. The bottom end of the tube116 is preferably temporarily closed so that the incoming materials 4can be retained therein. Once the tube 116 has been filled, a perforatedcover 118 is placed over the larger opening of the tube 116 before thetube 116 is placed horizontally. Once placed in a horizontalorientation, the cover for the smaller opening can then be removed. Oncethe cover has been removed, the tube is now ready to be inserted withits smaller opening into port 52. In one embodiment, the smaller end ofthe tube 116 is secured to port 52 by friction fit such that allincoming condensate must flow through the interior of the tube 116. Inuse, an incoming condensate flow is channeled through openings of theauger 120 as shown in the directions depicted by the arrows within thetube 116, i.e., a spiral path delineated by the shape of the auger,thereby properly coming in contact with and neutralized by the materials4. Upon neutralization, the treated flow exits via the perforated cover118 and makes its way around the tube 116 to the outlet port 54. FIG. 24is a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizer system and the equipmentconfigured for monitoring the health of a tankless water heater whichsupplies condensate neutralized in the condensate neutralizer system anda leaking condensate generating device. As condensate forms in thecombustion chamber of a condensate generating device, it collects anddrains by gravity through a condensate neutralizer such that its pHbecomes higher and closer to being neutral upon neutralization of atleast a portion of the condensate. In one example, the condensategenerating device is a heating system having a heat exchanger includinga combustion chamber surrounding a fluid conductor in which a fluid flowis heated. If a leak develops in the fluid conductor, e.g., due to theweakening of a wall of the fluid conductor or a leak develops on an endof the fluid conductor, the leak may not be noticed outside of thecondensate generating device as the leak may follow a path that concealsthis flow through a condensate neutralizer and a drainage tube thatleads the normally neutralized condensate or post-treated condensate toa handling system or drain. Left unchecked, the leak may not bedetected, can significantly increase the drainage volume, can cause thecondensate to be poorly neutralized and can unnecessarily consume theneutralizer materials. If the condensate generating device is a naturalgas-fired condensing equipment, the pH of the effluent of the condensateneutralizer typically ranges from about 2.5 to 4 under normal operatingconditions without a leak in the condensate generating device. FIG. 25is a chart depicting the pH of a condensate as sensed at the exhaust ofa condensate neutralizer over time and a pattern indicating that a leakhas occurred. It shall be noted that in the zone labelled part 124, thepH fluctuates between about 2.5 and about 4. The condensate generated bythe condensate generating device is deemed adequately neutralized inthis range of pH readings, i.e., the neutralized condensate is now lessacidic than the untreated condensate. However, if a leak exists in thecombustion chamber, the leaked water will continue to flow downwardly bygravity through the neutralizer and out of the condensate neutralizer,essentially along the same path that condensate assumes, also bygravity. As a leak continues, water continues to displace any remainingcondensate in the neutralizer, raising the pH of the drainage to the pHof water, i.e., about 7. As can be observed in FIG. 25, the pH continuesto rise beyond point 128 and plateaus at about 7. In detecting a waterleak that is confined in the condensate drainage, pH readings areobtained over time from the pH meter 10. If the pH readings consistentlyincrease over time at a rate of pH increase of about 2 or over on the pHscale over about 5 minutes or ΔpH/At of about 2 over about 5 minutes andthe pH is greater than about 4, a warning is raised and preferably alsocommunicated to a stakeholder of the condensate generating device for apossibly leak from the condensate generating device. If the pH readingof the drainage is about 7 after the drainage experienced a rate of pHincrease of about 2 or over in about 5 minutes, controller 40 can beprogrammed to shut down the condensate generating device until thedetected leak can be addressed.

FIGS. 26 and 27 are each a diagram depicting a condensate neutralizersystem and the equipment configured for monitoring the health of atankless water heater which supplies condensate neutralized in thecondensate neutralizer system and a leaking condensate generatingdevice. In FIG. 26, the condensate generating device is a tank orstorage water heater. Here, flue is generated and sent through a spiralpath or fire tube through a volume of liquid being heated. A breach 130in the fire tube or barrier that separates the flue from the volume ofliquid being heated will cause a leak through the fire tube into thedrainage line 56 and eventually exiting the container 50. Without apresent leak detector, this leak could simply continue to drain throughthe drainage line 56 without being noticed for an extended period oftime, causing unnecessary loss of water, loss in water heatingefficiency or even flooding if this unexpected increase in flow is notmitigated. In FIG. 27, the condensate generating device is a boiler.Here, flue is generated in a combustion chamber on the top end of thedevice and sent through a plurality of straight paths or fire tubesthrough a volume of liquid being heated. A breach 130 in a fire tube orbarrier that separates a flue path from the volume of liquid beingheated will cause a leak through the fire tube into the drainage line 56and eventually exiting the container 50. Again, without a present leakdetector, this leak could simply continue to drain through the drainageline 56 without being noticed for an extended period of time, causingunnecessary loss of water, loss in water heating efficiency or evenflooding if this unexpected increase in flow is not mitigated.

The detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings that show,by way of illustration, specific aspects and embodiments in which thepresent disclosed embodiments may be practiced. These embodiments aredescribed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice aspects of the present invention. Other embodiments may beutilized, and changes may be made without departing from the scope ofthe disclosed embodiments. The various embodiments can be combined withone or more other embodiments to form new embodiments. The detaileddescription is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and thescope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims,with the full scope of equivalents to which they may be entitled. Itwill be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that anyarrangement that is calculated to achieve the same purpose may besubstituted for the specific embodiments shown. This application isintended to cover any adaptations or variations of embodiments of thepresent invention. It is to be understood that the above description isintended to be illustrative, and not restrictive, and that thephraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose ofdescription and not of limitation. Combinations of the above embodimentsand other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponstudying the above description. The scope of the present disclosedembodiments includes any other applications in which embodiments of theabove structures and fabrication methods are used. The scope of theembodiments should be determined with reference to the appended claims,along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims areentitled.

What is claimed herein is:
 1. A structure for detecting a leak, whereinsaid structure is supported upon a supporting surface, the structurecomprising: (a) a leak detector; and (b) a bottom-facing surfacecomprising an inverted depression in which said leak detector isdisposed, said inverted depression is configured to be suitable forinducing capillary actions in a liquid collected on the supportingsurface, wherein when said inverted depression comes in contact with theliquid, the liquid is drawn to the leak detector to be detected.
 2. Thestructure of claim 1, further comprising at least one capillarycontiguous to said inverted depression to increase the opportunity thatthe liquid comes in contact with said inverted depression and said leakdetector.
 3. The structure of claim 1, wherein said inverted depressionfurther comprises a height of about 1 mm.
 4. A leak detecting systemcomprising a structure configured to be supported upon a supportingsurface, said structure comprising a bottom-facing surface comprising aninverted depression within which a leak detector is disposed, saidinverted depression is configured to be suitable for inducing capillaryactions in a liquid collected on the supporting surface, wherein whensaid inverted depression comes in contact with the liquid, the liquid isdrawn to the leak detector to be detected.
 5. The leak detecting systemof claim 4, wherein said structure further comprises at least onecapillary contiguous to said inverted depression to increase theopportunity that the liquid comes in contact with said inverteddepression and said leak detector.
 6. The leak detecting system of claim4, wherein said inverted depression further comprises a height of about1 mm.